Instagram App No Longer Has Option To Disable Automatic Video Playback
by Brent Dirks
October 11, 2013
The most recent update to Instagram’s iOS app has brought an interesting change.
Version 4.2.2, which arrived in the App Store on Thursday, only stated that it contained “bug fixes and performance improvements.” But upon further inspection of the app’s settings, the update removes the option to disable the auto-playback of videos.
That’s yet another big disappointment for users who don’t like to see the 15-second clips from their friends. Users can now only select whether to auto-mute the videos or whether the clip should be preloaded.
While Instagram hasn’t given a reason for the change, there’s one pretty obvious reason to make the switch: advertisements. As we reported on earlier in October, Instagram announced that users of the app in the United States will be seeing an occasional ad in their feed “in the next couple of months.”
And since the ads will be both photos and videos, it’s a pretty safe bet that advertisers want to make sure they get the best bang for their buck.
It’s not much of consolation, but much like with Facebook, Instagram users will be able to hide any ad that they don’t like.
Instagram is designed for the iPhone/iPod touch and can be downloaded in the App Store now for free.
For other app news and reviews today, see: Type:Rider Is The Puzzle Platformer Game Where Typography Is The Star, DreamWorks Wants You To Turn Your World Around In B.O.B.'s Super Freaky Job, and Roon Updated With iOS 7 Design, Rich Markdown Text Editing And iPad Support.